I doubt Lazar is available at 13 (I agree with rt in that EDM, DAL or PHX will nab him before then), but if he is, I think the Jets draft him over Domi since they seem to value size and grit among their draft picks. Lazar isn't big, but Domi is downright small, and although Domi is pretty gritty, Lazar is much more overpowering with his physicality. I could see the Jets taking Domi though if Lazar is gone

Why do so many here consider Lazar to be better than Horvat? I'm not really seeing the appeal of Lazar.

Why do so many here consider Lazar to be better than Horvat? I'm not really seeing the appeal of Lazar.

I think you should watch Lazar play. He is quick, makes good simple plays and forechecks hard. He has a lazer of a shot and is good on the draw. His best attribute imo is his ability to compete in 1 on 1 battles and win. He pushes the pace in the offensive zone more than Samuelsson does IMO and he is two years older. His game just screams pro. He will be on Canada's junior team at Christmas I bet.

I think you should watch Lazar play. He is quick, makes good simple plays and forechecks hard. He has a lazer of a shot and is good on the draw. His best attribute imo is his ability to compete in 1 on 1 battles and win. He pushes the pace in the offensive zone more than Samuelsson does IMO and he is two years older. His game just screams pro. He will be on Canada's junior team at Christmas I bet.

I'm not disputing any of that, because I don't have first-hand observations as a basis. Have you seen Horvat play? If so, how would you compare his play to Lazar's? The point is that some scouting services and individuals put Horvat above or on par with Lazar, so it would be interesting to hear the pros and cons of each player.

I'm not disputing any of that, because I don't have first-hand observations as a basis. Have you seen Horvat play? If so, how would you compare his play to Lazar's? The point is that some scouting services and individuals put Horvat above or on par with Lazar, so it would be interesting to hear the pros and cons of each player.

From what I've seen, perhaps the best way to distinguish them is that Lazar is more of a shooter and Horvat is more of a passer, even though they both have scored more goals than assists, iirc. Otherwise, they seem similar in many ways, including physical stature, playing style, etc.

I'm not disputing any of that, because I don't have first-hand observations as a basis. Have you seen Horvat play? If so, how would you compare his play to Lazar's? The point is that some scouting services and individuals put Horvat above or on par with Lazar, so it would be interesting to hear the pros and cons of each player.

No sorry I wasn't comparing them that's just my take on Lazar. I have only seen Horvat play once on TV and that was at last years memorial cup. It sounds like they play a similar game though. I am not sure what seperates them. If I was the Oilers and the two of them were very close in ability I would probably pick Lazar just because he plays for the Oil Kings and the Oilers could manage his development a little more.

^had one smart poster on these boards, i think he was a Jackets fan, said that the Jackets should take Domi, Horvat and Lazar with their 3 picks....can you imagine? center is such an important position when building your team that i couldn't agree more with this!

After a real breakthrough performance in the 2012 WHL Playoffs, Curtis Lazar of the Edmonton Oil Kings started the season as a near consensus top 10 pick amongst scouts and analysts. A slow start to the year, and failure to continue that great play has dropped Lazar down the rankings, as he’s consistently fallen in each of our three in-season rankings (November, February, and Today). However, recent strong play down the stretch and again in the WHL Playoffs has stemmed that fall somewhat and Lazar checks in at #20 in our final ranks.

Did Lazar fall in the rankings? He was almost a consensus top 15 pick. Not so much anymore, more like a 15-25 pick.

On some lists, sure, but I would be quite surprised if he was still on the board at fifteenth overall. Not too many players with his combination of defensive play and offensive reliability available in the draft. Add all that to his grit and tenacity on the forecheck and he should still go in the top 15.

I really wouldn't mind the oilers take him, of rather not though because I'm hoping one of Monahan/barkov/lindholm drops, which is certainly possible. If either of them arnt available I'd love to have Lazar.